The Secret Inquisitors is the first of two stories in Issue 11 of the Adventures of Biggles comic series published by Action Comics of Sydney, Australia published around June 1954. The story is followed by The Mandarin's Treasure. The story is an adaptation of The Case of the Secret Inquisitors from Biggles' Chinese Puzzle.
The inside front cover has a feature on the latest jets: Dassault Mystere 2, Saab A32 Lansen, Short S.B.5, Boulton Paul PIIIA.
Synopsis[]
Biggles investigates the mysterious incidents which have befallen several leading government officials and scientists. Some have been abducted and murdered, others driven out of their minds. Biggles decides to take a risky approach by setting himself up as a bait posing as a scientist with valuable information.
Plot summary[]
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The comic strip is a fairly faithful adaptation of the original story, with only minor changes.
- Most of the characters in the original story are mentioned or depicted. Sir Neville Barker is renamed Sir Neville Baker. Peter Bard and Kin Yen are not featured.
- The original story does not mention the aircraft type of the "white" air ambulance. Here the artist settles on a highly plausible, if unusual choice: that of the Auster B.4.
- The events surrounding how Biggles is abducted, the fake telegram, the taxicab and so on are all faithfully depicted. Like in the original, he is transported to an island off the coast of Scotland.
- How Biggles escapes is also accurately captured with some minor changes. Kahn has his poison in a cylindrical syringe rather than in a fountain pen. Biggles does fake being poisoned by the drink and he does scuffle with Kahn, knocking the syringe out of his hand. At one stage Kahn draws a gun but Biggles knocks him out with a small table. He does not inject the chemical into Kahn.
- Biggles makes his escape dressed in Kahn's pilot outfit just like in the original. However there is no Kin Yen--there is a mechanic there but Biggles does not ask him to board the aircraft with him.
- Biggles does not return to the base with the air ambulance and a load of policemen. The ending here is far simpler--he escapes and reports and a raiding party is sent out to complete the rescue of the others.
Characters[]
The Special Air Police[]
- Air Commodore Raymond
- Biggles
Others[]
Mentioned[]
Aircraft[]
Gallery[]
